In the run-up to the nuclear detonation in the Mojave Desert, Bowden put some pressure on PresidentDavid Palmer to activate the logistical preparations for war. Later, he described in detail the first actions that would be taken during the assault on the three Middle Eastern countries implicated by the Cyprus recording. When asked by Palmer if the attacks would be underway by his address in six hours, Bowden replied in the affirmative. In the meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff he presented an estimate ranging from ten to thirty thousand American casualties. He mentioned the slight possibility of Chinese and Russian involvement, and sometime later reduced the number of predicted American casualties. ("10:00pm-11:00pm", "11:00pm-12:00am")

When riots started in various cities, Palmer told Mike to call Bowden to dispatch the Army to quell the situation. ("1:00am-2:00am")